Android 17: new features and supported phones

August 23, 2026

Android 17: new features and supported phones

Android 17 is here. Google released the stable version in June 2026 and, after a few months of rollout, more and more phones are getting it. This update is not about reinventing Android: it polishes multitasking, strengthens security, and improves gaming and screen recording.

In this guide we cover the most useful Android 17 features, which phones receive it, and how to check if your device already has the update available.

Android 17 illustration with highlighted features — Android 17: new features

1. App Bubbles: real multitasking

The most visible new feature in Android 17 is App Bubbles. You can keep an app inside a floating bubble that stays on top of everything else, just like messaging chats did before. This lets you check an app without leaving the one you are using.

To open a bubble, long-press the app icon on the home screen and tap the new floating button. On large screens, such as foldables and tablets, bubbles dock into a dedicated bar for easier switching.

2. Screen Reactions: record your reaction with your screen

Android 17 adds Screen Reactions, a feature to create reaction videos without extra apps or a green screen. You record the screen while the front camera records you overlaid in a corner.

It is designed for creators who record tutorials, reviews, or video reactions. The result is ready to share straight from the recording.

3. One-time location and specific contacts

Privacy improves with two very practical controls:

One-time precise location. Some apps can request temporary access to your precise location only while you use them in that session, with no permission left active afterward.
Share specific contacts. Instead of granting access to your whole address book, you can let an app read only the contacts you choose.

These options reduce the information you share by default and are useful if you install new apps often.

4. Security: mark as lost with biometrics

The Mark as lost feature in Find Hub can now lock your phone with your biometrics in addition to your PIN. So even if someone knows your passcode, they cannot turn off tracking or unlock the device after you mark it as lost.

Android 17 also strengthens live threat detection, which analyzes app behavior to block suspicious activity. You can also limit the allowed PIN attempts and increase the delay between failed attempts.

5. Per-app memory limits

To stop a poorly optimized app from slowing down the whole system, Android 17 applies per-app memory limits based on the device’s RAM. If an app consumes too much, the system compresses or kills it to keep everything else smooth.

This is good news for entry-level phones with 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM, which used to freeze when an app went overboard.

6. Better gaming and creation

Foldable Gaming Mode. On foldables, the game shows on the top half and a virtual gamepad on the bottom, making full use of the screen. It is expected in the months after launch.
Controller remapping. You can configure the buttons of an external controller natively to your liking.
Expanded dark theme and hidden app names. More control over the interface look, including the option to hide app names under home screen icons.

7. Parental controls and general improvements

Parental controls expand to more Android devices, with usage limits, downtime schedules, and app blocking protected by PIN. There are also smaller settings such as an independent volume slider for the assistant and new notification options.

Android 17 supported phones

The rollout starts with Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 series onward (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and 10a).

Other manufacturers then roll out the update through 2026. Samsung will start with its recent flagships, followed by OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others. If you have a mid-range or entry-level phone, the wait can be longer or the update may not arrive.

How to check for the update

Open Settings.
Go to System > System update.
Tap Check for updates.

If your device is supported, you will see the option to download and install Android 17. Keep in mind the rollout happens in waves: even if your phone is supported, the notification may take a few days.

Recommendation

If you have a Pixel, update as soon as you see it available: the multitasking and security improvements are noticeable from day one. If you use another brand, check the update menu regularly and be patient: Android 17 arrives in waves through 2026.

Before updating, it is worth reviewing your app permissions to keep good privacy hygiene. See our guide to the Android privacy dashboard and privacy and security settings.

If you are thinking about upgrading your phone soon, our Android phone buying guide for 2026 helps you choose a model with a good update track record.

Sources

Questions and answers

What is Android 17?

Android 17 is the Android version Google released in June 2026. It adds bubble multitasking, new security features, per-app memory limits, and improvements for gaming and screen recording.

Which phones get Android 17?

The first devices are Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 series onward. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, roll it out through 2026, starting with their flagship models.

How do I check if my phone has Android 17?

Open Settings, then System, then System update, and tap Check for updates. If it is available, you can download and install it from that same menu.

Which Android 17 features arrive on Pixel first?

App Bubbles multitasking, Screen Reactions, per-app memory limits, and several security options are available at launch on Pixel. Others, like foldable gaming mode, arrive in the following months.